Multimodal imaging of optic nerve head abnormalities in high myopia.

Highly myopic optic nerve head (ONH) abnormalities encompass a series of complications resulting from the stretching of papillary and peripapillary structures during significant axial elongation. The morphological changes in the ONH typically initiate with disk tilting or rotation, progressing to PHOMS and PPA. Tissue defects in each layer manifest as focal lamina cribrosa defects (FLDs), peripapillary intrachoroidal cavitations (PICCs), and acquired pits of the optic nerve (APON). Anterior vitreous/vascular traction and posterior scleral protrusion may lead to prelaminar schisis as well as paravascular cysts and holes, which can potentially develop into retinoschisis. Traditional color fundus photography (CFP) is often insufficient for visualizing most of these lesions, yet their description and quantification benefit significantly from the advancements in optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA), complemented by fundus autofluorescence (FAF), indocyanine green angiography (ICGA), and three-dimensional imaging. The effective diagnosis and classification of ONH abnormalities heavily rely on a comprehensive understanding of their multimodal imaging features, as outlined in this review. These findings provide valuable insights into optic neuropathy in high myopia, establishing a solid foundation for future endeavors in disease monitoring and treatment guidance.

Exploring the molecular mechanisms and shared gene signatures between celiac disease and ulcerative colitis based on bulk RNA and single-cell sequencing: Experimental verification.

Many immune-mediated diseases have the common genetic basis, as an autoimmune disorder, celiac disease (CeD) primarily affects the small intestine, and is caused by the ingestion of gluten in genetically susceptible individuals. As for ulcerative colitis (UC), which most likely involves a complex interplay between some components of the commensal microbiota and other environmental factors in its origin. These two autoimmune diseases share a specific target organ, the bowel. The etiology and immunopathogenesis of both conditions characterized by chronic intestinal inflammation, ulcerative colitis and celiac disease, are not completely understood. Both are complex diseases with genetics and the environmental factors contributing to dysregulation of innate and adaptive immune responses, leading to chronic inflammation and disease. This study is designed to further clarify the relationship between UC and CeD. The GEO database was used to download gene expression profiles for CeD (GSE112102) and UC (GSE75214). The GSEA KEGG pathway analysis revealed that immune-related pathways were significantly associated with both diseases. Further, we screened 187 shared differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of the two diseases. Gene Ontology (GO) and WikiPathways were carried out to perform the biological process and pathway enrichment analysis. Subsequently, based on the DEGs, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analysis was performed to screen for the diagnostic biomarkers of the diseases. Moreover, single-cell RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) data from five colonic propria with UC showed that REG4 expression was present in Goblet cell, Enteroendocrine cell, and Epithelial. Finally, our work identified REG4 is the shared gene of UC and CeD via external data validation, cellular experiments, and immunohistochemistry. In conclusion, our study elucidated that abnormal immune response could be the common pathogenesis of UC and CeD, and REG4 might be a key potential biomarker and therapeutic target for the comorbidity of these two diseases.

Affiliate stigma and its association with family burden among family members of people living with schizophrenia in China.

PURPOSE: Understanding affiliate stigma and its impact on family of people living with schizophrenia (PLS) in China is important for culturally informed intervention. This study aims to describe the pattern of affiliate stigma of family members of PLS in China and investigated the association between affiliate stigma and family burden. METHODS: PLS and their family members dwelling in community were randomly recruited from four cities across China and completed measures of affiliate stigma and family burden. Linear regression analyses were used to determine the association between affiliate stigma and family burden. RESULTS: A total of 493 dyads of family member and PLS were include in this study. The mean affiliate stigma in family members was 2.21 (SD = 0.61). The vast majority of family members reported the feeling of inferiority, helpless and sad because of their family members' schizophrenia, but few family members refusing to communicate or contact with the PLS. The mean score of overall family burden was 22.25 (SD = 14.90), with 98 % of participants reported moderate or severe burden. A higher level of affiliate stigma was associated with more family burden (b = 7.837, 95CI: 5.240 to 8.747). Affiliate stigma was significantly associated with family daily activities, entertainment activities, family relationship, physical health and mental health of family members, but not family economic burden. CONCLUSION: A higher level of affiliate stigma was associated with more family burden among family with PLS. Anti-stigma intervention of mental illness should be consider not only PLS but also their family members.

Spherization indices measured by resting SPECT improve risk stratification in patients with ischemia with non-obstructive coronary artery disease (INOCA).

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of ischemia with non-obstructive coronary artery disease (INOCA) is substantial, but its risk stratification has been suboptimal. Resting SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) could provide useful heart information including spherical indices. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of spherical indices in individuals with INOCA. RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 47.2 ± 20.8 months, 49 (17.2%) patients experienced major adverse cardiac events (MACE). Compared to those without MACE, those with MACE had a higher shape index (SI) (0.60 ± 0.07 vs. 0.58 ± 0.06; P = 0.028) and a lower E2 (eccentricity index calculated by the QPS) (0.81 ± 0.05 vs. 0.83 ± 0.04; P = 0.019). MACE event-free survival analysis revealed significant differences in the SI and E2 among all patients (all log-rank P < 0.01). Multivariate Cox analysis showed abnormal SI (HR: 2.73, 95% CI 1.44-5.18, P = 0.002) and E2 (HR: 1.94, 95% CI 1.08-3.48, P = 0.026) were both independent predictors for MACE when they were put into the same model, respectively. The incorporation of the SI into the baseline model demonstrated a significant improvement in the predictive accuracy for MACEs (P = 0.026), whereas E2 did not exhibit a similar improvement (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: For patients with INOCA, spherical indices (especially the SI) were associated with long-term MACE, which could be a preferable indicator for risk stratification and prognostic prediction.

The value of FDG combined with PiB PET in the diagnosis of patients with cognitive impairment in a memory clinic.

AIMS: To analyze the value of 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) combined with amyloid PET in cognitive impairment diagnosis. METHODS: A total of 187 patients with dementia or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) who underwent 11 C-Pittsburgh compound B (PiB) and FDG PET scans in a memory clinic were included in the final analysis. RESULTS: Amyloid-positive and amyloid-negative dementia patient groups showed a significant difference in the proportion of individuals presenting temporoparietal cortex (p < 0.001) and posterior cingulate/precuneus cortex (p < 0.001) hypometabolism. The sensitivity and specificity of this hypometabolic pattern for identifying amyloid pathology were 72.61% and 77.97%, respectively, in patients clinically diagnosed with AD and 60.87% and 76.19%, respectively, in patients with MCI. The initial diagnosis was changed in 32.17% of patients with dementia after considering both PiB and FDG results. There was a significant difference in both the proportion of patients showing the hypometabolic pattern and PiB positivity between dementia conversion patients and patients with a stable diagnosis of MCI (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Temporoparietal and posterior cingulate/precuneus cortex hypometabolism on FDG PET suggested amyloid pathology in patients with cognitive impairment and is helpful in diagnostic decision-making and predicting AD dementia conversion from MCI, particularly when combined with amyloid PET.

Patient's disability and caregiver burden among Chinese family caregivers of individual living with schizophrenia: mediation effects of potentially harmful behavior, affiliate stigma, and social support.

Evidence on the associations between patient's disability and caregiver burden among Chinese family caregivers of individual living with schizophrenia is lacking. This study aimed at explore the underlying mechanisms between patient's disability and caregiver burden among Chinese family caregivers of individual living with schizophrenia. A cross-sectional study was carried out in four Chinese cities (Wuhan, Changsha, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen), between April, 2021 and March, 2022. A total of 493 patients and their family caregivers were invited to report related data. The Zarit burden interview, WHODAS 2.0, the Potentially harmful behavior scale, the Affiliate Stigma Scale, and the Multidimensional Scale of perceived social support were used to collect data. Linear regression analysis and bootstrapping analysis were conducted. The adjusted regression results showed that patients' disability (B = 0.616; 95% CI: 0.479-0.753), potentially harmful behavior on caregivers (B = 0.474; 95% CI: 0.232-0.716), and caregiver's low social support (B = -0.079; 95% CI: -0.158- -0.002), high level of affiliate stigma (B = 13.045; 95% CI: 10.227-15.864) were associated with higher level of caregiver burden (p < 0.05). In the mediation model, the direct path from patient's disability to caregiver burden (B = 0.428, ß = 0.371, p < 0.001) was significant and positive. Patient's disability was indirectly associated with caregiver burden through patient's potentially harmful behavior, caregiver's affiliate stigma, and social support, the standardized regression coefficients ranged from 0.026-0.049 (p < 0.05). Patient's potentially harmful behavior, caregiver's affiliate stigma, and social support mediated the relationship between patients' disability and caregiver burden. Future intervention studies designed to target these three factors may be beneficial for family caregivers of persons living with schizophrenia.

Potential regulatory role of the Nrf2/HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in lupus nephritis.

OBJECTIVES: Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease that involves multiple organ systems. One of its major complications, lupus nephritis (LN), is associated with a high mortality rate, and children-onset LN have a more severe course and worse prognosis than adults. Oxidative stress and inflammatory responses are involved in LN development and pathogenesis. Thus, this study aimed to explore the role of signaling regulation of the Nrf2/HMGB1/TLR/NF-κB pathway in LN pathogenesis and unravel the expression of TLR4+CXCR4+ plasma cells subset (PCs) in LN. METHODS: C57BL/6 and MRL/lpr mice were divided into four groups: control, model, vector control, and Nrf2 overexpression groups. The vector control and Nrf2 overexpression groups were injected with adenoviral vectors into the kidney in situ. Pathological changes in kidney tissues were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The expression of Nrf2, HMGB1, TLR4, NF-κB, and downstream inflammatory factors in kidney samples was analyzed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The ratios of TLR4+CXCR4+ PC subsets in the blood and kidneys of mice were determined by flow cytometry. RESULTS: In MRL/lpr mice, Nrf2 was downregulated while HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB pathway proteins were upregulated. Nrf2 overexpression decreased the expression of HMGB1, TLR4, NF-κB, and its downstream inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß and TNFα). These cytokines were negatively correlated with an increase in Nrf2 content. PC and TLR4 + CXCR4 + PCs in the blood and kidney samples were significantly increased in MRL/lpr mice; however, they were decreased upon Nrf2 overexpression. CONCLUSION: This study showed severe kidney injury in an LN mouse model and an increased ratio of TLR4 + CXCR4 + PCs. Furthermore, we observed that Nrf2 regulates LN immune response through the Nrf2/HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB pathway, which can be considered an important target for LN treatment. The clinical value of the findings of our study requires further investigation.

Family caregivers' abusive behaviour and its association with internalized stigma of people living with schizophrenia in China.

Family caregiving of people living with schizophrenia (PLS) can be burdensome, and some family caregivers may perpetrate abusive behavior that could be harmful to PLS. This study aims to examine the association of family caregivers' abusive behavior with internalized stigma of PLS and draw attention to this problem. PLS were recruited from four cities across China and completed measures of abusive behavior and internalized stigma. Linear regression analyses were used to determine the association between family caregivers' abusive behavior and internalized stigma of PLS. A total of 693 PLS were include in this study. 22.7% of the participants had experienced one or more of the abusive behaviors perpetrated by family caregivers. The most common type of abusive behavior towards PLS was verbal abuse and 4.2% of the participants reported physical abuse. 44.6 % of participants reported a high level of internalized stigma. PLS who experienced any abusive behavior by family caregivers had significantly higher levels of internalized stigma. Family caregivers' abusive behavior is positively associated with alienation and social withdrawal but not with stereotype endorsement and discrimination of PLS. To end all forms of stigma and discrimination against PLS, more attention needs to be paid to the families of PLS.

Safety and Efficacy of Drug-Eluting Bead Transarterial Chemoembolization Combined with Lenvatinib and Anti-PD-1 Antibodies for Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Retrospective Analysis.

Background: Drug-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) has good efficacy in the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC), with a relatively high objective response rate (ORR) compared to conventional transarterial chemoembolization (cTACE). This study aimed to evaluate the safety and medium-term clinical efficacy of DEB-TACE combined with lenvatinib (LEN) plus PD-1 inhibitors as a triple therapy for the treatment of uHCC. Methods: Data of patients with uHCC who received triple therapy of DEB-TACE combined with LEN plus PD-1 inhibitors from January 2019 to June 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. The study endpoints were ORR, progression-free survival (PFS), and treatment-related adverse events based on the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST). Results: Thirty-five patients were included in this study, with a median follow-up period of 15 months. The median cycle of DEB-TACE was 1, while that of all forms of TACE procedures per patient was 2. The median administration time of LEN was 7 months, and the median number of PD-1 inhibitor treatment was 4 cycles. The ORR based on mRECIST was 82.9%, disease control rate was 91.4%, and the median time to response was 7 weeks. Among these, the ORR of Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage A reached 100%, while that of BCLC stages B and C reached 84.6% and 78.9%, respectively. The median PFS was 9 months; the mOS was not reached. Fourteen patients (40%) successfully underwent downstaging conversion and surgical resection, 32 patients (91.4%) experienced treatment-related adverse events, and no grade 5-related adverse reactions occurred. Conclusion: DEB-TACE combined with LEN and PD-1 inhibitors has a high ORR and surgical conversion rate in the treatment of uHCC tumors, and the toxicity and side effects were tolerable.

Han family with essential tremor caused by the P421L variant of the TENM4 gene in China.

BACKGROUND: Essential tremor (ET) is an autosomal dominant inheritance disorder. Mutations in fusion sarcoma (FUS), mitochondrial serine peptidase 2 (HTRA2), teneurin transmembrane protein 4 (TENM4), sortilin1 (SORT1), SCN11A, and notch2N-terminal-like (NOTCH2NLC) genes are associated with familial ET. METHODS: A proband with ET was tested using whole-exome sequencing and repeat-primed polymerase chain reaction. Subsequently, the family members were screened for the suspected mutation, and the results were verified using Sanger sequencing. The relationship between pedigree and phenotype was also analyzed, and structural and functional changes in the variants were predicted using bioinformatics analysis. RESULTS: In a family with ET, the proband (III4) and the proband's father (II1), grandfather (I1), uncle (II2), and cousin (III5) all presented with involuntary tremors of both upper limbs. The responsible mutation was identified as TENM4 c.1262C > T (p.P421L), which showed genetic co-segregation in the family survey. AlphaFold predicted a change in the spatial position of TENM4 after the P421L mutation, which may have affected its stability. AlphaFold also predicted P421L to be a deleterious variation, which would lead to lower degrees of freedom of the TENM4 protein, thereby affecting the protein's structure and stability. According to the bioinformatics analysis, TENM4 (p.P421L) may reduce the signal reaching the nucleus by affecting the expression of TENM4 messenger RNA (mRNA), thereby impairing the normal oligodendrocyte differentiation process and leading to impaired myelination. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that the TENM4 (p.P421L) pathogenic missense variation was responsible for ET in the proband.

Identification and characterization of two SERPINC1 mutations causing congenital antithrombin deficiency.

BACKGROUND: Antithrombin (AT) is the main physiological anticoagulant involved in hemostasis. Hereditary AT deficiency is a rare autosomal dominant thrombotic disease mainly caused by mutations in SERPINC1, which was usually manifested as venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. In this study, we analyzed the clinical characteristics and screened for mutant genes in two pedigrees with hereditary AT deficiency, and the functional effects of the pathogenic mutations were evaluated. METHODS: Candidate gene variants were analyzed by next-generation sequencing to screen pathogenic mutations in probands, followed by segregation analysis in families by Sanger sequencing. Mutant and wild-type plasmids were constructed and transfected into HEK293T cells to observe protein expression and cellular localization of SERPINC1. The structure and function of the mutations were analyzed by bioinformatic analyses. RESULTS: The proband of pedigree A with AT deficiency carried a heterozygous frameshift mutation c.1377delC (p.Asn460Thrfs*20) in SERPINC1 (NM000488.3), a 1377C base deletion in exon 7 resulting in a backward shift of the open reading frame, with termination after translation of 20 residues, and a different residue sequence translated after the frameshift. Bioinformatics analysis suggests that the missing amino acid sequence caused by the frameshift mutation might disrupt the disulfide bond between Cys279 and Cys462 and affect the structural function of the protein. This newly discovered variant is not currently included in the ClinVar and HGMD databases. p.Arg229* resulted in a premature stop codon in exon 4, and bioinformatics analysis suggests that the truncated protein structure lost its domain of interaction with factor IX (Ala414 site) after the deletion of nonsense mutations. However, considering the AT truncation protein resulting from the p.Arg229* variant loss a great proportion of the molecule, we speculate the variant may affect two functional domains HBS and RCL and lack of the corresponding function. The thrombophilia and decreased-AT-activity phenotypes of the two pedigrees were separated from their genetic variants. After lentiviral plasmid transfection into HEK293T cells, the expression level of AT protein decreased in the constructed c.1377delC mutant cells compared to that in the wild-type, which was not only reduced in c.685C > T mutant cells but also showed a significant band at 35 kDa, suggesting a truncated protein. Immunofluorescence localization showed no significant differences in protein localization before and after the mutation. CONCLUSIONS: The p.Asn460Thrfs*20 and p.Arg229* variants of SERPINC1 were responsible for the two hereditary AT deficiency pedigrees, which led to AT deficiency by different mechanisms. The p.Asn460Thrfs*20 variant is reported for the first time.

Comprehensive analysis of immune ferroptosis gene in renal clear cell carcinoma: prognosis and influence of tumor microenvironment.

OBJECTIVE: We conducted an in-depth study of the immune system and ferroptosis to identify prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for renal clear cell carcinoma. METHODS: Immune ferroptosis-related differentially expressed genes (IFR-DEGs) were selected from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). A lasso-Cox risk scoring model was established; its prognostic value was determined using prognostic analysis and single multivariate Cox analysis. Model genes were subjected to subcellular fluorescence localization, mRNA and protein expression analyses, and single-cell RNA sequencing localization analysis. Risk score was analyzed using the immune score, immune infiltrating cell correlation, immune checkpoint, TIDE, and drug sensitivity. RESULTS: A total of 103 IFR-DEGs were identified; a risk model comprising ACADSB, CHAC1, LURAP1L, and PLA2G6 was established. The survival curve, single multivariate Cox regression, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that the model had good predictive ability (p < 0.05). It was also validated using the validation set and total cohort. Subcellular fluorescence localization revealed that ACADSB, CHAC1, and PLA2G6 were distributed in the cytoplasm and LURAP1L in the nucleus. The mRNA and protein expression trends were consistent. Single-cell RNA sequencing mapping revealed that ACADSB was enriched in distal tubule cell clusters. In the Kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) mutation correlation analysis, 1.56% of the patients were found to have genetic alterations; The Spearman correlation analysis of model gene mutations showed that ACADSB was positively correlated with LURAP1L, which may have a synergistic effect; it was negatively correlated with CHAC1 and PLA2G6, and CHAC1 was negatively correlated with LURAP1L, which may have an antagonistic effect. Model and immune correlation analyses found that high-risk patients had significantly higher levels of CD8+ T cells, regulatory T cells (Tregs), immune checkpoints, immune scores, and immune escape than those in low-risk patients. High-risk patients had a higher susceptibility to small-molecule drugs. CONCLUSION: A novel prognostic model of immune ferroptosis-related genes (ACADSB, CHAC1, LURAP1L, and PLA2G6), which plays an important role in immune infiltration, microenvironment, and immune escape, was constructed. It effectively predicts the survival of patients with KIRC.

Eucarbwenstols A-H, eight novel compounds from Eucalyptus robusta prevents MPC-5 injury via ROS modulation and regulation of mitochondrial membrane potential.

BACKGROUND: The damage of podocytes is a primary hallmark of lupus nephritis (LN). Therefore, finding an effective way to inhibit the podocyte injury is important for improving the survival and development of patients with LN. Eucalyptus robusta exhibits anti-inflammatory properties. However, whether Formyl phloroglucinol meroterpenoids (FPMs), which are specialized metabolites of the genus Eucalyptus, is an anti-inflammatory active ingredient of E. robusta remains to be determined. PURPOSE: This study asimed to identify novel FPMs from E. robusta and investigated their anti-inflammatory effects. METHODS: Various separation methods were used to isolate and identify the compounds in the PE extract of E. robusta. The structures of the isolates were determined using 1D/2D NMR data and electron circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. The level of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) of the podocyte cell line, MPC-5, were assessed using a multifunctional microplate reader combined with flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. RESULTS: Eight novel FPMs (1-8, Eucarbwenstols A-H, Fig. 1) and 15 known FPMs (9-23) were purified from the PE extract of E. robusta. It is noteworthy that compound 1 possesses an unprecedented FPM carbon skeleton. Among these compounds, compounds 1, 2, 4 and 5 showed the most promising potential for protecting MPC-5 cells because pretreatment with pro-inflammatory cytokines TGF-ß, IFN-α and IL-6 decreased ROS production and ameliorated the mitochondrial state. CONCLUSIONS: Our research contributes to the characterization of E. robusta constituents and highlights the anti-inflammatory effects of FPMs.

A Validation Study of the Hong Kong Brief Cognitive Test for Screening Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer's Disease.

BACKGROUND: The Hong Kong Brief Cognitive Test (HKBC), a brief instrument designed to screen for cognitive impairment in older adults, has been validated in Cantonese-speaking populations and has shown better performance than the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) in detecting both mild and major neurocognitive disorder (NCD). OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to validate the HKBC for detecting patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) in a Mandarin-speaking Chinese population. METHODS: Two hundred forty-eight patients with aMCI, 67 patients with mild AD and 306 healthy controls (HCs) were recruited for this study and completed both the HKBC and the MMSE. The performance of the HKBC and MMSE in distinguishing patients with aMCI from HCs and distinguishing patients with AD from patients with aMCI was compared in the whole population and in age- and education-stratified subgroups. RESULTS: The optimal HKBC cutoff score for distinguishing patients with aMCI from HCs was 23, and the optimal cutoff score for distinguishing patients with AD from patients with aMCI was 17. The HKBC significantly outperformed the MMSE at differentiating patients with aMCI from HCs in the whole population (z = 12.38, p < 0.01) and all subgroups stratified by age or education. Regarding the discrimination of patients with AD from patients with aMCI, the HKBC showed better performance than the MMSE in the oldest subgroup (z = 2.18, p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: The HKBC is a sensitive and specific screening tool for detecting aMCI and AD in the Chinese population across age groups and educational levels.

Clinical and Genetic Analysis of a Family With Sitosterolemia Caused by a Novel ATP-Binding Cassette Subfamily G Member 5 Compound Heterozygous Mutation.

Sitosterolemia (OMIM ##210250), also known as phytosterolemia, is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the ATP-binding cassette subfamily G member 5 (ABCG5) or member 8 (ABCG8) genes. This leads to abnormal functions of the transporter sterolin-1 protein encoded by ABCG5 and sterolin-2 protein encoded by ABCG8, respectively, which can hinder the formation of stable ABCG5/G8 heterodimers, decreasing its ability to transport sterols. As a result, phytosterols in tissue or plasma are significantly increased, leading to early onset atherosclerosis-related diseases and xanthelasma of tendons and skin. In this study, whole exome sequencing was performed on a Chinese Han proband with sitosterolemia to capture the target gene and screen for suspected pathogenic mutations. Sanger sequencing of the family members was performed to verify the relationship between family genetics and phenotypes. The structural and functional changes in the transporter sterolin-1 protein after the responsible mutation were predicted using bioinformatics analysis. A novel compound heterozygous mutation in the ABCG5 gene (NM_022436) was identified in a proband with sitosterolemia, one of which was inherited from the father: c.296T >G (p.M99R), and one from the mother: c.-76 C >T. SIFT, Polyphen2, and Mutation Taster software predicted that p.M99R may be the responsible variant and a novel variant. RNAFold software predicts that c.-76 C >T may affect the transcriptional information or the binding of RNA binding proteins by regulating the structure of RNA, and ultimately affect gene transcription or RNA stability and translation. Swiss model software predicts that the amino acid sequence around p.M99R is highly conserved, and p.M99R leads to instability of the tertiary structure of the ABCG5/ABCG8 heterodimer. GPS 5.0 predicted that M99R affects the phosphorylation of nearby amino acid sequences, and DUET and VarSite software predicted that M99R affects the stability of sterolin-1 and cause disease. The p.M99R and c.-76 C >T mutations led to the formation of unstable heterodimers, which disturbed sterol absorption and excretion in vivo. The compound heterozygous variants c.296 T >G (p.m99r) and C.-76 C >T on exon 3 of ABCG5 in this family may be the molecular genetic basis of sitosterolemia.

Preparation, in vitro and in vivo Evaluation of Thermosensitive in situ Gel Loaded with Ibuprofen-Solid Lipid Nanoparticles for Rectal Delivery.

Background: Ibuprofen (IBU), a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, shows poor gastrointestinal absorption due to its low solubility, which limits its clinical application. Objective: In the present study, we aimed to develop thermosensitive gel-mediated ibuprofen-solid lipid nanoparticles (IBU-SLN-ISG) to improve the dissolution and bioavailability of IBU after rectal delivery. Methods: IBU-loaded SLNs (IBU-SLNs) were developed and optimized applying Box-Behnken design. The optimized IBU-SLNs were characterized by physicochemical parameters and morphology. Then, the optimized IBU-SLNs was incorporated into the gel and characterized for gel properties and rheology and investigated its release in vitro, pharmacokinetics in vivo, rectal irritation and rectal retention time. Results: The optimized SLNs had an EE of 90.74 ± 1.40%, DL of 11.36 ± 1.20%, MPS of 166.77 ± 2.26 nm, PDI of 0.27 ± 0.08, and ZP of -21.00 ± 0.59 mV. The FTIR spectra confirmed successful encapsulation of the drug inside the nanoparticle as only peaks responsible for the lipid could be identified. This corroborated well with XRD spectra, which showed a completely amorphous state of the IBU-SLNs as compared to the crystalline nature of the pure drug. The gelation temperature of the prepared IBU-SLN-ISG was 33.30 ± 0.78°C, the gelation time was 14.67 ± 2.52 s, the gel strength was 54.00 ± 1.41 s, and the mucoadhesion was (11.54±0.37) × 102dyne/cm2. The in vitro results of IBU-SLNs and IBU-SLN-ISG showed a biphasic release pattern with initial burst release followed by sustained release. More importantly, IBU-SLN-ISG produced much better absorption of IBU and improved bioavailability in rats. In addition, IBU-SLN-ISG caused no irritation or damage to rectal tissues, and could be retained in the rectum for a long time. Conclusion: Thermosensitive in situ gel loaded with IBU-solid lipid nanoparticles might be further developed as a more convenient and effective rectal dosage form.

[Pharmacokinetic study on five components in phthalide target areas of Chaxiong and its ß-CD inclusion compounds based on UPLC-MS/MS].

This study aims to establish a method for the determination of the concentration of five main components of phthalide target areas of Chaxiong(CPTA) and its inclusion of ß-CD in the plasma of rats, and determine the pharmacokinetic parameters, absolute bioavailability and relative bioavailability of CPTA/ß-CD inclusion compound in vivo. The plasma concentrations of senkyunolide A, N-butylphthalide, new osthol lactone, Z-ligustilide and butenyl phthalide were determined with UPLC-MS/MS. The content determination was conducted at the chromatographic conditions as follows: Shim-pack GIST C_(18)-AQ HP column(2.1 mm×100 mm, 3 µm), mobile phase of 0.1% formic acid solution(A)-acetonitrile(B), gradient elution, flow rate of 0.3 mL·min~(-1), column temperature of 35 ℃ and injection volume of 2 µL. The mass spectra were obtained with electrospray ion source(ESI), positive ion mode and multi reaction monitoring. CPTA/ß-CD inclusion compound was prepared by grinding method, DAS 2.0 software was used to model the data, and the absolute bioavailability of CPTA and relative bioavailability of inclusion compound were calculated. Finally, the methods for the determination of five components of senkyunolide A, N-butylphthalide, new osthol lactone, Z-ligustilide and butenyl phthalide in CPTA, were successfully established. The linear relationship among the five components was good within their respective ranges, r>0.99. The absolute bioavailability of the five components in rats was 22.30%, 16.32%, 21.90%, 10.16% and 12.43%, respectively. After CPTA/ß-CD inclusion was prepared, the relative bioavailability of the five components was 138.69%, 198.39%, 218.01%, 224.54% and 363.55%, respectively, significantly improved. This method is rapid, accurate and sensitive, so it is suitable for the pharmacokinetic study of extracts in traditional Chinese medicine and their preparations.

Elevated serum interleukin-8 is associated with enhanced intratumor neutrophils and reduced clinical benefit of immune-checkpoint inhibitors.

Serum interleukin-8 (IL-8) levels and tumor neutrophil infiltration are associated with worse prognosis in advanced cancers. Here, using a large-scale retrospective analysis, we show that elevated baseline serum IL-8 levels are associated with poor outcome in patients (n = 1,344) with advanced cancers treated with nivolumab and/or ipilimumab, everolimus or docetaxel in phase 3 clinical trials, revealing the importance of assessing serum IL-8 levels in identifying unfavorable tumor immunobiology and as an independent biomarker in patients receiving immune-checkpoint inhibitors.

Relationships among retinal/choroidal thickness, retinal microvascular network and visual field in high myopia.

PURPOSE: To determine the relationships among retinal/choroidal thickness, retinal microvascular network and visual field in high myopia. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included a total of 62 subjects, comprising 31 eyes with high myopia and 31 eyes with emmetropia or low myopia. Optical coherence tomography was used to quantify the thickness of ganglion cell complex (GCC), inner nuclear layer and outer plexiform layer (INOPL), outer retinal layer (ORL) and choroid layer (ChL). Optical coherence tomography angiography was used to quantify the superficial vessel density (SVD) and deep vessel density (DVD). Retinal light sensitivity (RLS) was measured by microperimetry-1 (MP1). The inner ring (1-1.75 mm), the outer ring (1.75-2.5 mm) and the whole ring (1-2.5 mm) around the macula were analysed and compared between the two groups. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to analyse the relationship among them. RESULTS: In the highly myopic group, the thinning of retinal/choroidal thickness and the decrease in retinal vessel density and RLS were found when compared to the emmetropia or low myopia (p < 0.05). Decreased RLS was correlated with decreased ORL thickness (r = -0.469, p = 0.008) and choroid thickness (r = 0.398, p = 0.030). There was no correlation between retinal microvascular network parameters and RLS (p > 0.05), but DVD showed a negative correlation with ORL (r = -0.474, p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: Early visual field defects in highly myopic eyes may be influenced by the ORL loss and defect of choroidal circulation. The deep retinal microvascular network may have a compensatory action in the hypoxic setting of high myopia.

Redox-Sensitive Gelatin/Silica-Aptamer Nanogels for Targeted siRNA Delivery.

RNA interference (RNAi) has potential advantages over other gene therapy approaches due to its high specificity and the ability to inhibit target gene expression. However, the stability and tissue-specific delivery of siRNA remain as the biggest obstacles for RNAi therapeutics. Here, we developed such a system by conjugating gelatin-based nanogels with the nucleolin-targeted AS1411 aptamer and deoxynucleotide-substituted siRNA together (Apt-GS/siRNA) via a disulfide linker to achieve transient docking of siRNA. These Apt-GS/siRNA nanogels demonstrated favorable release of siRNA under reducing conditions owing to disulfide cleavage. Furthermore, this smart system could electively release siRNA into the cytosol in nucleolin-positive cells (A549) by a glutathione-triggered disassembly and subsequently efficient RNAi for luciferase. Besides, disulfide-equipped Apt-GS nanogels showed good biocompatibility in vitro. Taken together, this redox-responsive, tumor-targeting smart nanogels display great potential in exploiting functionalized siRNA delivery and tumor therapy.